GDPR (The General Data Protection Regulation) is a new regulatory framework created by the EU, which sets strict guidelines on how personal information can be collected and stored online

GDPR puts in place a ‘right to be forgotten’ which could pose problems for blockchain applications which store identifiable personal user information

Possible effects of GDPR on blockchain technology could see a push toward more centralized commercial blockchain applications

Will new European privacy laws have an impact on Bitcoin and EU-based blockchain technology?

Having come into force on May 25th, 2018, new General Data Protection Regulation laws in the EU, are raising eyebrows among blockchain technology enthusiasts. This because under GDPR, organizations which store personal information on EU citizens, are required to disclose how this information will be used, stored, and (if necessary) can be deleted.

Why GDPR Poses a Problem for Blockchain Technology

In theory, GDPR shouldn’t pose a problem for cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Bitcoin and other coins are designed to be used as exchangeable digital assets. - More specifically, assets which never carry any more identifiable information than a regular dollar note would.

Sadly, the EU’s GDPR regulations have been drafted in mind of large corporations like Amazon and Google, not blockchain based data services. Because of this, everything with regard to blockchain technology and cryptocurrency is open to interpretation.

If the EU were to decide that blockchain transaction data can be linked to individual EU citizens, it could use GDPR to threaten the legality of cryptocurrency

This poses a problem for cryptocurrency, as Bitcoin data storage is by nature immutable

While the risk to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is small, new decentralized apps designed to store things like medical records, business information, and targeted marketing information, are at risk of non-GDPR compliance

What GDPR Will Likely Mean for Exchanges:

EU member states will likely clamp down at some point on emerging decentralized exchange platforms

More service restrictions will probably begin to be implemented, depending on exchange user locations

All exchanges which serve EU citizens are now required to make available all data on users to users themselves, as well as details regarding whom (if anyone) data is shared with

Is GDPR Even Possible to Enforce with Regard to Blockchain Technology?

One question which remains unanswered with regard to GDPR and the blockchain, is whether or not GDPR is even practically enforceable?

Being decentralized, many blockchain projects are maintained by loose-knit groups of independent developers. At the same time, most rely on an operational basis, on hundreds, thousands, and occasionally millions, of independently operated network nodes situated all around the world. Because of this, it would be (arguably) impossible for GDPR to be enforced effectively by the EU. As it is, though, only time will tell how the EU will attempt to bring decentralized systems in line with its new regulatory powers.

Date Updated: November 30, -0001 12:00 AM UTC+8 PHT

All information is meant for informational purposes only. Bl4nkcode does not provide any investment, legal or financial advices. Readers should do their own research before investing funds in any company/service/organizations mentioned.